Complex Networks#History

Complex was established in 2002{{cite news|first=Greg|last=Allard|title=The Top 20 Selling Fashion Magazines|url=http://tunegroover.com/the-top-20-selling-fashion-magazines/|access-date=September 18, 2016|work=Tune Groover|date=October 3, 2015|archive-date=September 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919034831/http://tunegroover.com/the-top-20-selling-fashion-magazines/|url-status=dead}} by the founder of the Eckō Unltd. brand, Marc Eckō, as a print magazine aimed at providing young men a report of the latest in hip hop, fashion and pop culture without regard to race. The name Complex evolved from a slogan developed to promote the Eckō Unltd. website: "Ecko.complex".{{cite web|last=Kenner|first=Rob|title=The Oral History of Complex|url=http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2012/03/the-oral-history-of-complex/2000|work=Complex|publisher=Complex Media|access-date=February 9, 2014}} The idea was to create a men's magazine that combined Eckō's streetwear and hip hop attitude along with the style of Japanese men's magazines by providing consumer guides. This was achieved by creating a magazine in two sections: one traditional magazine, and the other a shopping guide.

In 2005, Complex was joined by senior publishing executive turned future CEO, Rich Antoniello and the former senior editor of Vibe magazine, Noah Callahan-Bever, who became editor-in-chief and chief content officer a year later.{{cite web|author=Staff|title=Complex Names New Editor-in-Chief|url=http://observer.com/2006/09/complex-names-new-editorinchief/|work=New York Observer|date=26 September 2006|access-date=February 9, 2014}} By 2006, Complex had begun to turn a profit which allowed the magazine to consider an expansion of their online presence. In April 2007, Complex soft-launched a media network with four websites: NahRight, Nice Kicks, SlamxHype and MoeJackson.{{cite web|last=Dumenco|first=Simon|title=The Print Guy Who's Going 45% Digital|url=http://adage.com/article/the-media-guy/magazines-print-guy-45-digital/138039/|work=Ad Age|date=21 July 2009|access-date=February 9, 2014}}

In September 2007, Complex launched Complex Media in order to fully capitalize on the trend toward digital content.{{cite web|last=Chowdry|first=Amit|title=Accel Partners and Austin Ventures Invest $12.8 Million in Marc Ecko's Complex Media|url=http://pulse2.com/2009/12/04/accel-partners-and-austin-ventures-invest-12-8-million-in-marc-eckos-complex-media/|work=Pulse 2.0|access-date=February 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919205152/http://pulse2.com/2009/12/04/accel-partners-and-austin-ventures-invest-12-8-million-in-marc-eckos-complex-media/|archive-date=2016-09-19|url-status=dead}} In 2010, ad sales grew 154%.{{cite web|last=Flamm|first=Matthew|title=Web network boosts Complex Media|url=http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20110102/SUB/301029998|work=Crain's|date=30 December 2010|access-date=February 9, 2014}} According to comScore, Complex got 12 million unique hits in March 2012. This encouraged large brands such as Coors, AT&T, Ford, McDonald's, Nike, Adidas and Apple to advertise within the collective. Complex now includes over 100 sites.

In 2011, Complex acquired Pigeons & Planes, an indie music and rap blog, and brought their total sites to 51 with monthly traffic of 25 million uniques.{{cite magazine|last1=Moses|first1=Lucia|title=Complex Media Network Relaunches Flagship Site|url=http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/complex-media-network-relaunches-flagship-site-125347|magazine=AdWeek}} In 2012, Complex launched Four Pins, a humorous menswear site, edited by Fuck Yeah Menswear author Lawrence Schlossman;{{cite news|last=Caramanica|first=Jon|title=Hip-Hop Comes to Men's Wear|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/15/fashion/hip-hop-as-bravado-and-legacy-for-mens-fashion.html|work=The New York Times|date=14 November 2012|access-date=February 9, 2014}} Sneaker Report, a performance footwear site;{{cite web|last=Bengston|first=Russ|title=Introducing Sneaker Report|url=http://www.complex.com/sneakers/2012/07/introducing-sneaker-report|work=Complex|publisher=Complex Media|access-date=February 9, 2014}} and First We Feast, a food culture site edited by former Time Out New York food editor Chris Schonberger.{{cite web|last=Merwin|first=Hugh|title=Complex Launches Food Section, 'First We Feast'|url=http://www.grubstreet.com/2012/10/complex-launches-food-vertical.html|work=Grub Street|date=October 10, 2012 |access-date=February 9, 2014}} In 2013, Complex launched the dance music site Do Androids Dance{{cite web|author=Confusion|title=Complex Launches Do Androids Dance, a New EDM Site|url=http://pigeonsandplanes.com/2013/01/complex-launches-do-androids-dance-a-new-edm-site/|work=Pigeons & Planes|date=January 7, 2013|access-date=February 9, 2014}} and Green Label, a branded content site presented by Mountain Dew.{{cite news|last=Elliott|first=Stuart|title=Brought to You by Mountain Dew|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/26/business/media/mountain-dew-to-introduce-a-sponsored-web-site.html|work=The New York Times|date=26 April 2013|access-date=February 9, 2014}} That year, Complex also acquired the sneakerhead culture magazine and website Sole Collector.{{cite web|last=Rose Dickey|first=Megan|title=How This Guy Turned His Shoe Obsession Into A Prime Acquisition Target|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/complex-media-acquires-sole-collector-2013-3|work=Business Insider|access-date=February 9, 2014|date=March 14, 2013}}

On November 4, 2013, Complex premiered a new logo and cover design on Instagram that would appear online, as well as on the December 2013 Eminem cover issue.{{cite web|last=Bhuiyan|first=Johana|title=Complex Media gets a new logo and identity|url=http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/media/2013/11/8535579/complex-media-gets-new-logo-and-identity|work=Capital New York|access-date=February 9, 2014}}{{cite web|title=Noah Callahan-Bever on Eminem's Limited 1992 Edition Cover|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGRyabhdfbc| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211107/BGRyabhdfbc| archive-date=2021-11-07 | url-status=live|work=Youtube|access-date=February 9, 2014|date=2013}}{{cbignore}}

In 2013, Complex partnered with Mountain Dew to launch "Green Label" an entertainment and culture website.{{cite web|last1=Elliott|first1=Stuart|title=Brought to You by Mountain Dew|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/26/business/media/mountain-dew-to-introduce-a-sponsored-web-site.html|work=The New York Times|date=April 23, 2013}} In 2014, Complex launched an NBA-themed website called "Triangle Offense" in a partnership with Bacardi rum.{{cite web|title=Bacardi Signs As Exclusive Sponsor Of New NBA Lifestyle Website From ComplexMedia|date=April 18, 2014 |url=http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2014/04/18/Marketing-and-Sponsorship/Bacardi.aspx|publisher=Sports Business Daily}}

In August 2014, Complex ranked #3 in the United States in a ComScore survey of unique visitors between the ages of 18 and 34 with 20.3 million in that demographic per month.{{cite magazine|last1=McDermott|first1=John|title=Turns out traditional publishers do just fine with millennials|url=http://digiday.com/publishers/traditional-publishers-millennials/|magazine=Digiday}} In January 2015, it announced its acquisition of Collider, the online source for movies, television, breaking news, incisive content, and imminent trends. Collider.com reaches over 3 million monthly unique readers (comScore, December 2014) powered by a team of ten writers, including founder and Editor in Chief Steve Weintraub. In February 2018, Complex sold Collider.com to former head-of-video Marc Fernandez.{{cite web|url=http://adage.com/article/digital/complex-buys-fanboy-site-collider-growing-media-network/296757/|title=Complex Buys Fanboy Site Collider for Growing Media Network Reorienting Toward Video|date=January 23, 2015|work=Ad Age|publisher=Advertising Age}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/collider-sold-by-complex-media-1089335|title=Complex Media Sells Entertainment Site Collider (Exclusive)|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=2018-03-01}}

In 2015, Do Androids Dance was merged into Complex.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/complex-media-ceo-do-androids-dance-merge/|title=Dance Site Do Androids Dance to Merge with Complex|first=Megan|last=Buerger|magazine=Billboard |date=February 12, 2015}} In 2016, Four Pins was closed.{{Cite web|url=https://www.racked.com/2015/12/18/10597326/four-pins-shutdown|title=Menswear Blog Four Pins Is Shutting Down|first=Cameron|last=Wolf|date=December 18, 2015|website=Racked}}

In 2009, Complex raised $12.8 million from Accel Partners and Austin Ventures.{{cite web|last1=Kee|first1=Tameka|title=Updated: Marc Ecko's Complex Media Gets $12.8 Million, Spins Off Into Standalone Company|date=4 December 2009|url=https://gigaom.com/2009/12/03/419-marc-eckos-complex-media-adds-12-8-million-in-funding/|publisher=Gigaom|access-date=November 12, 2014|archive-date=September 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925010020/https://gigaom.com/2009/12/03/419-marc-eckos-complex-media-adds-12-8-million-in-funding/|url-status=dead}} In September 2013, it secured $25 million in a second round of funding from Iconix Brand Group, who own Rocawear, Starter, Eckō Unltd. and Umbro, among others.{{cite web|last=Shontell|first=Alyson|title=Complex Media Raises $25 Million From The Powerhouse Behind Umbro And Rocawear, Iconix Brand Group|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/complex-media-raises-25-million-from-iconix-brand-group-2013-9|work=Business Insider|access-date=February 9, 2014}}

On April 18, 2016, Complex was acquired by a joint venture of Hearst Communications and Verizon Communications, Verizon Hearst Media Partners. The venture emphasized a goal of building "a portfolio of the emerging digital brands of the future for the millennial and Gen-Z audience", and proposed that Complex would develop content for Verizon-owned AOL and go90.{{cite web|title=Verizon, Hearst to Acquire Complex Media|url=https://variety.com/2016/digital/news/verizon-hearst-acquire-complex-media-1201755876/|website=Variety|date=18 April 2016|access-date=21 March 2017}}

After a failure to reach expectations, on June 29, 2018, Verizon announced that go90 would shut down.{{Cite news|last=Spangler|first=Todd|date=2018-06-28|title=Verizon Is Shutting Down Go90, Its Ill-Fated Mobile Video Service|language=en-US|work=Variety|url=https://variety.com/2018/digital/news/go90-shutting-down-verizon-1202860864/|access-date=2018-06-29}}

Complex became known early on for its double-sided covers and split format.{{cite web|last=Hirschman|first=David|title=So what do you do, Noah Callaghan-Bever, EIC, Complex?|url=http://www.mediabistro.com/So-What-Do-You-Do-Noah-Callahan-Bever-EIC-Complex-a10243.html|work=mediabistro|access-date=February 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140224002445/http://www.mediabistro.com/So-What-Do-You-Do-Noah-Callahan-Bever-EIC-Complex-a10243.html|archive-date=February 24, 2014|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} Complex covers often combined celebrities from across music, film and sports. Some of Complex{{'s}} early covers included Nas (May 2002), Tony Hawk and Xzibit (June/July 2002), Ludacris and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (April/May 2003), and Mos Def and David Bowie (August/September 2003). In 2007, Complex gave Kim Kardashian her first-ever magazine shoot and cover.{{cite web|last=Denver|first=Nate|title=Kim Kardashian: Almost Famous (2007 Cover Story & Gallery)|url=http://www.complex.com/girls/2011/05/kim-kardashian-2007-cover-story-gallery|work=Complex|publisher=Complex Media|access-date=February 13, 2014|archive-date=July 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701002415/http://www.complex.com/girls/2011/05/kim-kardashian-2007-cover-story-gallery|url-status=dead}}

Complex has since expanded to interactive digital covers.{{cite magazine|title=Digital Covers|url=http://www.complexmediainc.com/About-Us/Digital-Covers/2014|magazine=Complex}} In September 2019, the American rapper Kid Cudi and the Japanese designer Nigo were interviewed by Complex and also appeared jointly on a digital cover and told the stories of their careers and rise in the entertainment and streetwear industries.{{Cite web|url=https://dailyrapfacts.com/5626/kid-cudi-has-more-complex-magazine-covers-than-any-other-artist/|title=DailyRapFacts: Kid Cudi has more Complex Magazine covers than any other artist|date=September 17, 2019 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.complexcon.com/news/kid-cudi-nigo-talk-streetwear-new-music-kids-see-ghosts-2-complex-cover-long-beach-ca-2019|title=COMPLEX COVER|access-date=April 14, 2020|archive-date=December 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204182050/https://www.complexcon.com/news/kid-cudi-nigo-talk-streetwear-new-music-kids-see-ghosts-2-complex-cover-long-beach-ca-2019|url-status=dead}}

Complex TV launched in 2012 as an online broadcaster of original content. Nathan Brown, a long-time video development and production executive, serves as general manager of Complex TV and Video.{{cite web|url=http://www.thevideoink.com/news/complex-media-expands-video-team-including-nathan-brown-as-gm-qa/#.U5hyOpRdXR0|title=Complex Media Expands Video Team, Including Nathan Brown as GM (Q&A)|last=VideoInk|date=4 December 2013|access-date=21 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818133418/http://www.thevideoink.com/news/complex-media-expands-video-team-including-nathan-brown-as-gm-qa/#.U5hyOpRdXR0|archive-date=18 August 2016|url-status=dead}} In December 2013, a subsidiary of Complex TV, Complex News, was launched, focusing on day-to-day news.{{cite web|last=Patel|first=Sahil|title=Complex Bolsters Originals Slate with Riff Raff-Hosted Variety Show|url=http://www.thevideoink.com/news/complex-tv-adds-two-originals-including-one-hosted-by-rapper-riff-raff/#.UtPsK55_v8k|work=Video Ink|access-date=February 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222004439/http://www.thevideoink.com/news/complex-tv-adds-two-originals-including-one-hosted-by-rapper-riff-raff/#.UtPsK55_v8k|archive-date=February 22, 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last=Hunte|first=Justin|title="RiFF RAFF REALM" Debuts on Complex TV|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.26350/title.-riff-raff-realm-debuts-on-complex-tv|work=HipHopDX|date=21 November 2013|access-date=February 9, 2014}} In 2014, Pluto.tv added Complex Media as a content partner. Complex Content Studio is supported by an 18-person editorial team.{{cite web|last1=Bilton|first1=Ricardo|title=A look inside publishers' content studios|date=2 April 2014|url=http://digiday.com/publishers/a-look-inside-publishers-content-studios/}}

According to WNIP source, "by 2016, Complex Networks had shifted 80% of its content budget to video and was launching dozens of individual shows under Complex's YouTube channel and a number of spin-off properties".{{Cite web|url=https://mediamakersmeet.com/how-complex-media-became-one-of-the-most-innovative-digital-publishers/|title=How Complex Media became one of the most innovative digital publishers|work=Media Makers Meet | What's new in media |date=January 20, 2020}}

On November 10, 2017, a block of Complex TV series began airing on the U.S. cable network Fuse under the Complex x Fuse banner.{{cite web |url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2017/11/complex-fuse-programming-block-partnership|title=Complex and Fuse Partner for Special TV Programming Block|website=Complex Networks|date=November 1, 2017|access-date=2018-12-19}}{{cite web |url=https://www.tubefilter.com/2017/11/20/complex-x-fuse-hot-ones-sneaker-shopping/|title=Complex Brings 'Hot Ones' And 'Sneaker Shopping' To TV|date=November 20, 2017|access-date=2018-12-19}}

Complex Networks has produced more than two dozen original shows,{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/tv/|title=Complex - Making Culture Pop|website=Complex Networks|access-date=21 November 2016|archive-date=October 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013110159/http://www.complex.com/tv/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thevideoink.com/news/complex-tv-adds-two-originals-including-one-hosted-by-rapper-riff-raff/#.U5h4CJRdVy9|title=Complex Bolsters Originals Slate with Riff Raff-Hosted Variety Show|last=VideoInk|date=21 November 2013|access-date=21 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818153340/http://www.thevideoink.com/news/complex-tv-adds-two-originals-including-one-hosted-by-rapper-riff-raff/#.U5h4CJRdVy9|archive-date=18 August 2016|url-status=dead}} which include Hot Ones and Desus vs. Mero.

Complex Networks launched three original podcasts at the end of 2019 in collaboration with a Swedish podcast firm Acast. Watch Less, covering such topics as movies and pop culture, hosted by Khris 'Khal' Davenport and Frazier Tharpe. The Complex Sports Podcast (formerly Load Management), hosted by Zach 'Chopz' Frydenlund, Zion Olojede, and Adam Caparell discusses sports and sports culture.{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/10/verizon-hearst-backed-youth-culture-brand-complex-networks-to-launch-first-full-slate-of-original-podcasts-1202771512/|title=Verizon Hearst-Backed Youth-Culture Brand Complex Networks To Launch First Full Slate Of Original Podcasts|first=Peter|last=White|date=October 29, 2019}} The Complex Sneakers Podcast covers the history and present day of sneaker culture and is hosted by Joe La Puma, Matthew Welty, and Brendan Dunne.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tubefilter.com/2019/10/29/complex-podcast-slate-sneakers-joe-la-puma/|title=Complex Unveils Latest Podcast Slate, Including 'Sneakers' Series With Joe La Puma|date=October 29, 2019}}

Launch and Development (2015–2016): ComplexCon, an annual cultural festival and exhibition, was launched in 2016 by Complex Networks in partnership with ReedPop.{{cite web |url=https://www.shop-eat-surf.com |title=ComplexCon Launch |publisher=Shop Eat Surf}} It was co-created by Marc Eckō and Aaron Levant, combining Complex’s influence in youth culture with Reed Exhibitions’ event expertise.{{cite web |url=https://www.apparelnews.net |title=The Rise of ComplexCon |publisher=Apparel News}} Designed as a "cultural World’s Fair", ComplexCon merges music, art, fashion, food, and technology into an interactive experience.{{cite web |url=https://www.lbbusinessjournal.com |title=ComplexCon's Impact |publisher=Long Beach Business Journal}} Eckō provided creative direction and industry connections, while Levant focused on execution and logistics.{{cite web |url=https://www.shop-eat-surf.com |title=Inside ComplexCon |publisher=Shop Eat Surf}}

Inaugural Event (2016): The first ComplexCon took place on November 5–6, 2016, at the Long Beach Convention Center, attracting 35,000 attendees.{{cite web |url=https://www.shop-eat-surf.com |title=ComplexCon 2016 Recap |publisher=Shop Eat Surf}} Eckō recruited Takashi Murakami to design the event’s visual identity and Pharrell Williams as Cultural Director.{{cite web |url=https://www.apparelnews.net |title=ComplexCon 2016 Review |publisher=Apparel News}} The event featured concerts, brand exhibitions, streetwear pop-ups, art installations, and panels, with Eckō moderating discussions and shaping content.{{cite web |url=https://www.lbbusinessjournal.com |title=ComplexCon Programming |publisher=Long Beach Business Journal}}

In Spring 2016, the first two-day event took place at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center in Long Beach, CA in November 2016 and featured performances by Snoop Dogg, Skrillex, Kid Cudi, and more.{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/shawnsetaro/2016/05/19/marc-ecko-on-complexcon/|title=Marc Ecko On ComplexCon: 'This Has Never Been Done Since The World's Fair'|first=Shawn|last=Setaro|website=Forbes}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/marc-ecko-talks-complexcon-two-day-festival-942122/|title=Marc Ecko Talks ComplexCon Ahead of Two-Day Festival|first=Stephanie|last=Chan|website=The Hollywood Reporter |date=November 2, 2016}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/fashion/la-ig-fashion-style-complex-con-2016-story.html|title=ComplexCon: Fashion, pop culture and activism come together in Long Beach this weekend|first=Khanh T. L.|last=Tran|date=November 5, 2016|website=Los Angeles Times}} In 2019 the festival was held twice. The first event took place at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL in collaboration with a focus on local artists, designers, and musicians.{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/ct-ent-complexcon-debuts-in-chicago-saturday-0721-20190721-oxnq65d73jhwjm2l7hykqgowvu-story.html|title=ComplexCon debuts in Chicago, and it's a hypebeast's world at McCormick Place|date=July 21, 2019|website=Chicago Tribune}} The second festival occurred in the traditional Long Beach, CA location and included appearances by Selena Gomez, LL Cool J, Lil Kim, Offset, Kid Cudi, Lil Yachty, Timothée Chalamet, Yara Shahidi and Tyga. These virtual and in-person events have drawn in large crowds of young adults who relate and connect with the growing streetwear and rising hip-hop artists.{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2019-11-15/complexcon-fashion-sneakers-streetwear-festival-long-beach|title=How ComplexCon wrapped allure, streetwear and 'something new' into one festival|first=Max|last=Berlinger|date=November 15, 2019|website=Los Angeles Times}}

In 2024, Complex Networks was acquired by NTWRK, led by Aaron Levant, with plans for continued experiential marketing initiatives.{{cite web |url=https://www.shop-eat-surf.com |title=NTWRK Acquires Complex |publisher=Shop Eat Surf}} That same year, ComplexCon launched its first international edition in Hong Kong, followed by an announced return in 2025.{{cite web |url=https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong |title=ComplexCon Hong Kong 2024 |publisher=TimeOut}}

ComplexCon remains a flagship event for Complex Networks, recognized for influencing global street culture through its blend of commerce, entertainment, and community engagement.{{cite web |url=https://www.apparelnews.net |title=ComplexCon’s Cultural Influence |publisher=Apparel News}}

In lieu of ComplexCon during the COVID-19 pandemic, Complex Networks launched a five-day virtual festival named "ComplexLand" in December 2020. The game took place in a video game format where users could visit virtual shops and order products that would be shipped to them in real life. Players could also access video content such as panels and performances. The event included virtual appearances by T-Pain, Fat Joe, Lil Yachty, Jack Harlow, and Donatella Versace. The interactive experience was accessible through web browser and was developed by Jam3 in WebGl.{{Cite web|last=Anyanwu|first=Obi|date=2020-12-21|title=ComplexLand Made Virtual Shopping a Reality|url=https://wwd.com/business-news/business-features/complexland-virtual-shopping-1234682939/|access-date=2021-04-01|website=WWD|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Webster|first=Andrew|date=2020-12-03|title=Complex turned its fashion and music festival into a futuristic video game|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/3/22150152/complexcon-virtual-music-streetwear-complex-food-festival|access-date=2021-04-01|website=The Verge|language=en}}

In December 2019, Complex Networks launched an online store called the Complex Shop. At launch, the store included items from 70 different clothing brands, including some exclusive collaborations.{{Cite web|date=2019-12-09|title=Complex is opening an online store to sell sneakers, hoodies and more|url=https://digiday.com/media/complex-opening-online-store-sell-sneakers-hoodies/|access-date=2021-04-01|website=Digiday|language=en-US}}

The store also carries merchandise from Complex's various brands and content.{{Cite web|date=2021-01-26|title=Complex Shop's journey to prevent cart abandonment|url=http://digiday.com/media/complex-shops-journey-to-prevent-cart-abandonment/|access-date=2021-04-01|website=Digiday|language=en-US}}

The Complex Shop has partnered with the Google News Initiative to measure audience engagement and consumer behavior. They also partnered with Neighborhood Spot{{Cite news|date=2020-12-11|title=Designer T-Shirts Have Become the Pandemic Fundraising Catch-all|language=en|work=Bloomberg.com|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-12-11/designer-t-shirts-have-become-the-pandemic-fundraising-catch-all|access-date=2021-04-01}} and UNION x Dodgers to sell branded products.{{Cite web|date=2019-11-15|title=How ComplexCon wrapped allure, streetwear and 'something new' into one festival|url=https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2019-11-15/complexcon-fashion-sneakers-streetwear-festival-long-beach|access-date=2021-04-01|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US}}

In 2013, Digiday stated Complex was one of the publishers that "acts like an agency" based on their branded content and brand partnerships.{{cite magazine|last1=Marshall|first1=Jack|title=The Publisher of The Future Acts Like An Agency|url=http://digiday.com/agencies/the-publisher-of-the-future-looks-like-an-agency-too/|magazine=Digiday}} In 2013 alone, Complex created an average of 47 pieces of content a month on behalf of major brands, including McDonald's, Gillette, Levi's, Toyota, Adidas and others. It also partnered with PepsiCo to launch GreenLabel.com, a Mountain Dew-branded lifestyle site that's staffed by Complex's editorial employees. Green Label currently attracts over twice as much traffic as MountainDew.com. Later in 2013, Complex worked with Dr. Pepper to a series of videos aimed at young males featuring producer/songwriter The-Dream.{{cite web|last1=D'Amico|first1=Mary Lisbeth|title=Dr Pepper Reaches Out to Younger Hipper Audience|date=August 2013|url=http://www.clickz.com/clickz/news/2286471/dr-pepper-reaches-out-to-younger-hipper-audience|publisher=Clickz}}

In 2009, AnimalNewYork.com reported that Complex had posted a digitally unenhanced version of April/May issue cover star Kim Kardashian. Complex swapped the enhanced image on their site, but not before the unenhanced version had gone viral. Kardashian responded to the incident on her blog, saying: "So what: I have a little cellulite. What curvy girl doesn't!?"{{cite web|last=Kardashian|first=Kim|title=Yes, I Am Complex!|url=http://kimkardashian.celebuzz.com/2009/03/25/yes_i_am_complex/|work=Kim Kardashian|publisher=Celebuzz|access-date=February 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140224055303/http://kimkardashian.celebuzz.com/2009/03/25/yes_i_am_complex/|archive-date=February 24, 2014|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} She went on to say that she was "proud" of her body, posting behind-the-scenes pictures of the shoot on her website.{{cite web|title=Kim Kardashian Airbrushed Thinner, Smoother, Lighter|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/24/kim-kardashian-airbrushed_n_178763.html|work=Huffington Post|date=24 April 2009|access-date=February 9, 2014}} The incident was covered by a variety of online publications including Huffington Post, NY Daily News, Business Insider, Gawker, and others.{{cite news|title=Kim Kardashian on retouched Complex magazine photos: Yup - I have cellulite!|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/kim-kardashian-retouched-complex-magazine-photos-yup-cellulite-article-1.362120|newspaper=NY Daily News}}

On December 11, 2013, Complex writer Insanul Ahmed received a call from rapper Wale complaining that his latest album, The Gifted, had not been included on Complex{{'s}} "50 Best Albums of 2013" list.{{cite web|last=Ahmed|first=Insanul|title=The 50 Best Albums of 2013|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/12/the-50-best-albums-of-2013/|work=Complex|publisher=Complex Media|access-date=February 9, 2014}} A portion of the conversation was recorded and posted on the Complex website and on Complex TV on December 13. Wale could be heard threatening: "Get the security ready." According to Complex, Wale refused requests to meet, but he did post a humorous Instagram video that day which made light of the situation. Wale, later appearing on Hot97, said that his fall-out with Kid Cudi had something to do with the snub, and that he was not "begging Williamsburg hipsters" to like his music.{{cite web|last=Ahmed|first=Insanul|title=Wale Threatens Complex Staff Over Our "50 Best Albums of 2013" List|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/12/wale-threatens-complex|work=Complex|publisher=Complex Media|access-date=February 9, 2014}}{{cite web|last=Millard|first=Drew|title=A few words about this whole "Wale threatening Complex" thing|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/wale-complex-threat-the-gifted/|work=Noisey|date=December 16, 2013 |publisher=Vice Media|access-date=February 9, 2014}}{{cite web|last=Markman|first=Rob|title=Wale Vs. Complex Magazine: I Won't Apologize To 'Williamsburg Hipsters'|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1719216/wale-complex-magazine-brooklyn-threats.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217212351/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1719216/wale-complex-magazine-brooklyn-threats.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 17, 2013|work=MTV|access-date=February 9, 2014}}{{cite news|last=Kennedy|first=Gerrick|title=Wale threatens Complex magazine after omission from year-end list|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-wale-threatens-complex-after-omission-from-yearend-list-20131214,0,1799648.story#axzz2q5geAvTr|newspaper=LA Times|date=14 December 2013|access-date=February 9, 2014}}{{cite web|last=Vann|first=Douglas|title=Video: Wale Throws Temper-Tantrum Over Complex Magazine Article|url=http://www.vanndigital.com/2013/12/13/video-wale-throws-temper-tantrum-over-complex-magazine-article/|work=VannDigital.com|publisher=Vann Digital Networks|access-date=February 9, 2014}} Wale was referring to the October/November 2010 issue of Complex in which Kid Cudi said: "We don't fuck with you musically." The quote quickly went viral.{{cite web|last=Muhammed|first=Latifah|title=Wale Blames Complex Magazine Snub on Kid Cudi Beef|url=https://www.bet.com/article/58gpmi/wale-blames-complex-magazine-snub-on-kid-cudi-beef|work=BET|access-date=February 13, 2014}}

• Ego Trip
• Stüssy
• The Hundreds
• Vice Media
• Supreme
• Virgil Abloh

{{Reflist|30em}}

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